The rules of the trial are very specific. It’s not the actual killing that has her worried, but rather who she has to kill-and not for the reasons you’d expect. But unless she can pass her final trial, she will never become a priestess…and the problem is, Pyrre isn’t sure she can. For years she has trained in the sacred arts of death, learning countless ways to deliver victims into her god’s embrace. When the story begins, Pyrre is still an acolyte, twenty-five years old and pledged to Ananshael-the God of Death. This book stands alone from the others, and is a prequel of a sort, taking place in a distant corner of the Annurian Empire. But even if you haven’t read The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, this book would make a splendid introduction to Staveley’s work-especially if you want to get your feet wet with something that has a less intimidating page count before taking the plunge into the full trilogy. Just who is Pyrre? Where did she come from? What is it about her god that inspires so much of her love and loyalty? If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions, then this book is for you. Whether she was ally or enemy, it was hard to tell, but clearly, the imperturbable priestess of Ananshael was one capable, dangerous woman. When we first met Pyrre Lakatur, she was shrouded in mystery.

This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.īrian Staveley returns to the world of The Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne with this new standalone novel starring one of the most intriguing characters from his debut trilogy. I received a review copy from the publisher. Book Review: Skullsworn by Brian Staveley